Rare horse calls Southern Downs home

AMANDA Watson has been around horses her whole life but when she met Chester the 'curly', she knew she'd struck a rare find.

Looking at Chester, you might think someone had taken a crimping iron to his mane and perming product to his coat, but the fact is his wavy locks are completely natural.

The unusual breed originated in North America from a genetic quirk that developed in appaloosas and quarter horses over the years.

Chester is a one of only 100 curly horses in Australia and 5000 in the world, but he now calls Amiens, just outside of Stanthorpe his new home.

The two-year old chestnut gelding stumbled into Ms Watson's arms on Australia Day when she went travelled to Orange to meet one of two curly horse breeders in Australia on the recommendation of a friend.